Working with customers of Webdesign means wearing many hats. We are developers, marketers and (sometimes) therapists. It’s all about building a great website that meets the needs of our customers.
We cannot forget to add the role of a project manager to the list. It can be just as important as everything we do.
Why? Consider how many projects get stuck and stagnate. Customers often have big ideas and expect that we speed up our work. However, things get bogged down when it is their turn to contribute.
It can lead to an indefinite hiatus. Months can pass without progress. The site is there to collect virtual dust, while we wonder when we will return to work. The situation is bad for your agenda and your bank account.
Leadership is the best defense against a jammed project. It also helps you to deliver a better result. Here you can read how you can use your skills to make things move in the right direction.
Why you have to take the lead
Our customers work in different sectors. They can be used to getting things done within their area of expertise. However, website projects are another WAX ball.
Many facets of a typical project require niche -technical knowledge. That makes some customers uncomfortable. That is why they may not understand their role or what is going on. This lack of clarity makes it more difficult for them to contribute to the effort.
Content strategy is another responsibility that emphasizes customers. In all likelihood it is not something that they do regularly. They may not know how or where to start – not good for motivation. This leads to placing the task on the back burner while tackling their other tasks.
Then there are those Oddball function requests. The thing that your customer saw on the site of a competitor (or completely non -related) site. They see it as part of a great website, even if reality is different.
Each of these scenarios can benefit from your experience and expertise. It’s time to get ahead!
How to manage a project without getting toes
Effective project management requires a delicate balance. You want to be honest and direct with your customers while you recognize their general authority. This skill does not always come naturally and it takes practice to get things right.
With that in mind here are a few tips to carefully lead them to progress:
Be clear about project needs
People tend to work more efficiently if they know what is expected of them. That is why there will be any lack of clarity your project.
Your customer must know what you need from them. So specify a list of what you need to do the work well. Cover the basic principles, such as content and image assets. But don’t be afraid to follow in detail.
For example, you can ask them to provide text for them about our page. But what should they record? How much text should they write?
Adding a few details can be the difference between whether the content is a perfect fit or a mess. Instead of saying: “I need content for the page about us”, take a few basic parameters.
“I need content for the page about us. It should be 3-5 paragraphs of text that mark:”
- Your mission statement;
- Your expertise areas;
- A bit about your history;
- Why customers should choose you;
“It would also be nice to have a few images of your location and/or your team. None of the above is in stone – we can adapt to your needs. However, this should serve as a solid starting point.”
Now you have given your customer a clear task. That is infinitely easier than expecting them to figure out things themselves. The more details you provide, the greater the chance that they will deliver you. As a bonus you also encourage cooperation.
Set an agreed timeline of the project
Customers often have a preferred (soft) or absolute (hard) deadline for a project. However, coming at that point is not always easy. They can wait until the last moment to deliver materials, which means that you have to hurry to get things done.
That is ideal for anyone. You may miss something important while you almost end up. And the overall quality of your work is likely to suffer.
Setting up a project timeline can help. Give your customer a dates for receiving content or other assets. Let them know how much progress you need to make your work. It doesn’t hurt to give yourself an extra day or two, in case that.
What if your project does not have a deadline? Make one! That keeps everyone on the same page.
Stay in contact with stakeholders
As the old saying says: out of sight, from the heart.
The progress of a project can be buzzing when active discussions stop. Stakeholders continue to other items on their agenda. In the meantime you wait for what you need. And it is impossible to say how long you have to wait.
You can avoid this scenario by maintaining an open communication line. Be proactive and contact stakeholders. Offer your help and ask if they have any questions.
This movement reaches two things. First, you demonstrate a personal touch when supporting your customer. Secondly, it places the front project. It can renew their focus on taking the following steps.
You will not always see immediate progress. Your customer may be too busy if you contact them. However, you can always offer to check in again in a few weeks.
Lead your customers to a winning project
Each website project requires a plan and someone to ensure that it progresses. Customers will not always be comfortable at the forefront. That is a signal for you to set up your project management hat.
You do not have to be an extrovert or even an expert in the field of project management. You can make ends meet with basic organization skills and an understanding of how long different tasks will last. From there it is all about clear communication.
So don’t sit unemployed while a project is running from the rails. Take on a leading role and give yourself the best chance of success. It is a skill that you can use again and again.
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